Wave Jazz, Pacific Grove, 2009.

Wave Jazz, Pacific Grove, 2009.

Wave Jazz, Pacific Grove, 2009.

Wave Jazz, Pacific Grove, 2009.

Once of my photographic genres is the wave splash backlit by the setting sun. I have a lot of them, and will begin posting them more often. The wave caught in mid-air creates a nice abstract image, and the glassiness of the water is accentuated by the dramatic light. I enjoy photographing these waves, but have to be careful that I don't get drenched. When I was trying to come up with a name for this genre, the phrase "wave jazz" came into my mind; it's a little corny, but I can't think of a better name for these photos. Any ideas?

snapshot • gull devouring crab

What I can't figure out is what happens to the crab once it's in the gull; they swallow them whole. Must be one tough-ass stomach!

Rock, Pacific Grove, 2009.

snapshot • sea stars on concrete post, monterey

There are a lot of sea stars around Monterey Bay, but I don't see all that many of them. I am particularly fascinated with stars; they have an extraordinary water vascular system that allows them to move their thousands of tiny tube feet, which is how they get around, as well as stay put. You can see just how tenacious they are when you watch them cling to rocks as they are being battered by the surf. These ochre stars were hanging out on a pier under the deck of the Monterey Plaza Hotel.

Paul as media celebrity

snapshot • bather, Lovers Point, Pacific Grove